20. People throw millions of face masks across the streets and beaches around the world. It's not only bad for the environment but also dangerous to wildlife(野生动物). Last summer, a seagull (海鸥) was in the street in the UK. Its legs were entangled (被缠住的) in a face mask and they got hurt. Before people saved it, it had been like that for over a week. In fact, many places all over the world have reported sad things like this many times. In the hills outside Malaysia's capital, people saw a monkey eat the face mask. It was really dangerous. Even if it didn't choke (窒息), the face mask could fill its stomach and cause it to die.
What's more, the wasted face masks also pollute the sea and
harm the sea animals' lives. Last year, more than 1. 5 billion masks made their way into the world's sea. Larger animals, like bigger fishes and sea birds, are the first ones to face the problem. Scientists are worried that the whole food chain (食物链) will even be in danger.
"When those masks break down in the environment, they become smaller and smaller. These tiny parts will finally go into the bodies of animals, small and large." they said. The face mask is a useful and helpful tool for us humans to keep from COVID-19, coma planet with us. It is our job to protect them.